Ketogenic Diet Risks

Ketogenic Diet Risks

The ketogenic diet has been proven to help overweight to obese people in losing weight. Also, a lot of famous people and celebrities are hitting the headlines claiming that they owe their weight loss to keto. But, is it 100% safe? Let me tell you the truth. There are ketogenic diet risks that you need to consider before starting on it.

History and Purpose

The classic ketogenic diet or keto was not originally designed for weight loss. It was used for therapy of children with epilepsy in the 1920s. Medical doctors at the time discovered that by “fasting” and by significantly reducing the intake of carbohydrates can treat pediatric epilepsy. Hence, the nutritional ketosis was born.

The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, moderate protein, high-fat diet. The purpose is to get your body in the state of ketosis. But, what is ketosis? Carbohydrates are converted into glucose inside our body. Glucose is our main supply of energy and is very important in the brain’s cognitive function. When we starve our body of carbohydrates, it will start to burn the stored fats. Burning fats produce ketones. And then, ketones replace glucose as energy supply. When your blood has a considerable amount of ketone level you, my friend, are in a state of ketosis.

The Pros and Cons

When you hear a person is on a “diet”, your first thought is that this person wants to lose weight. That is true. While on a keto diet, with the hope of losing weight, dieters notice positive changes in them. Medical studies and researches backed up the positive results of keto diet. Ketones in the body provide more energy than glucose. So, that means when your body turns fats into ketones, you’ll have more energy, improved physical performance and increased stamina.

There are a numerous reported cases of people lowering their blood sugar, bad cholesterol and triglycerides while on keto. Also, other benefits include controlledPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)symptoms among women of reproductive age, lowered inflammation, clear skin and better brain functions.

While there are known benefits, ketogenic diet risks are also present. If there’s a state of ketosis, there’s also a state of ketoacidosis. This is a concern mainly in diabetic patients. Patients with Type 1 diabetes are unable to produce insulin, promoting overproduction of ketones. Ketoacidosis happens when both blood sugar and ketones are on high level. It is very slim possibility to get into this state but if one does, it can be fatal. This happens to people with untreated diabetes.

Recorded Positive Effects – Benefits of Ketogenic Diet

Improved physical performance

Fat and weight Loss

Lowered risks of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome

Lowered blood sugar, triglycerides and bad cholesterol levels

Better immune system

Balanced hormone levels

Slow aging process

Reduced inflammation

Increased metabolism

Enhanced brain function

Autism improvements

Reduced epilepsy seizure episodes in both children and adults

Symptomatic improvement in Parkinson’s disease patients

Improved cognitive functions in Alzheimer’s disease patients

Improved bipolar disorder symptoms

Recorded Negative Effects – Ketogenic Diet Risks

Poor bone health status

Impaired mood and concentration

Nausea

GERD-Gastroesophageal refluxdisease

Gastrointestinal discomforts like constipation or diarrhea

Kidney Stones

Muscle cramps

Hypoglycemia

Increased Bruising

Hair Loss

Stunted growth in children

Heart palpitations

Nutrient deficiency

Ketoacidosis

Death

Studies and researchers backed up all listed benefits of a keto diet. This diet has proven positive results. I cannot say the same for the ketogenic diet risks list. These are recorded findings, effects and symptoms. I cannot deny the fact that like in any other diet, the ketogenic diet poses risks. Some of the risks listed are shocking and alarming. But these are controversial, arguable and debatable. Further studies and researches needed to accept some of the keto diet’s negative effects.

Before starting on a keto diet or any other diet, take your own risk. Consult your primary care physician. Then, weigh your pros and cons.